Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita inaugurates 73rd Edition of India International Garment Fair

1st July 2025, New Delhi: Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, inaugurated the 73rd Edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) on today. The inauguration took place in presence of Chairman AEPC Shri Sudhir Sekhri, prominent industry leaders and a large number of international buyers and exhibitors.

Delivering his inaugural address Shri Margherita said, “73rd edition of the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) is Asia's largest and most dynamic garment fair. This fair is not just a showcase of fabrics and fashion; it is a celebration of the creativity, craftsmanship, and confidence of Indians. This year, with an exhibition area of over 21,000 square metres and participation from buyers across 80 countries spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Eurasia—this edition reaffirms the growing global trust in Indian textiles.”

Minster further underlined, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Param Adarniya Shri Narendra Modi ji, and the guidance of Hon’ble union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh ji, the Ministry is focused on expanding India’s global footprint in textiles and apparel. We are not just aiming for volumes—we are working towards value, versatility, and visibility.”

The textile and apparel industry contributes 2.3% to India’s GDP, 13% to industrial production, and 12% to exports. In 2023–24 alone, we exported textile products worth $34.4 billion, with apparel accounting for 42% of that. We now aim to cross $100 billion in textile exports by 2030, and every MSME, every entrepreneur, every exporter has a role in achieving this, Shri Margherita underlined.

With over 80% of India’s textile sector being MSME-driven, it is important to focus on boosting productivity, ensuring steady raw material supply, and reducing import dependence to stay competitive, the Minister added.

Highlighting on the road ahead, the Minister underlined, “On the trade front, the India–UK Free Trade Agreement, and our ongoing negotiations with the EU and US, will open new avenues for growth. These are high-value, quality-conscious markets, and we are committed to equipping Indian exporters with the right strategy, standards, and compliance to seize these opportunities.”

Commenting on the 73rd Edition of IIGF Shri Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman AEPC and IGFA said, “I am happy to share that IIGF will provide a strong platform for the Indian apparel exporters to capitalize on India’s momentum for growth. India’s textile sector is at a pivotal moment, where acceptability of ‘Made in India’ brands is more than ever before in the global sourcing arena. With the right policy push, innovation, and global partnerships, this could be the decade where India emerges not just as a volume player, but a value-added global garment exports powerhouse.”

The 73rd edition of IIGF focuses upon showcasing latest apparel trends tailored to meet the requirements of the European Union, USA, and other Western markets. A large number of them are based on sustainable manufacturing practices. This year’s event will highlight India’s prowess in design, pattern and technological advancements, reflecting our unwavering commitment to innovation and responsible production.

The India International Garment Fair features 361 exporters showcasing across 9,375 sq. mtrs. The fair features participation from 12 states across India. Key participating states include: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Haryana.

The total number of countries represented in 73rd IIGF is 79. The show is having the global brands and retail chain participation in large numbers. Apparel Group, Western International Group, Lulu Group International (UAE); One Brand Apparel, POL CLOTHING, INC. (USA); Lola Casademunt, Signes Grimalt Artesania (Spain); Delta Galil Industries (Hong Kong); Natura Invicta LDA, Alex Group SRL (Italy); MN Inter-Fashion Ltd, Abahouse International Co.(Japan); Fiaisal Al Rasheed Group of Company (Kuwait); Natura Invicta (Portugal); M A Alabdulkarim & Co. Ltd., Imtiaz Al Arabia (Saudi Arabia), Debenhams Group (UK), etc. are few names which will explore sourcing during IIGF.

The Fair is jointly organized by: Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and International Garment Fair Association (IGFA) and is supported by: Garment Exporters & Manufacturers Association (GEMA), Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR).